Cognitive function in patients prior to undergoing allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Oncology
• Hematology

Background:

• Cognitive impairment is prevalent and impactful in cancer patients undergoing allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT).
• A standardized method for assessing pre- or post-HSCT cognitive function is lacking.
• Identifying patients at high risk for cognitive impairment is crucial.

Purpose of the Study:

• To characterize cognitive function in patients before allogeneic HSCT.
• To identify demographic, disease-related, and psychosocial factors linked to cognitive function.

Main Methods:

• Participants completed the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) before HSCT.
• Bivariable associations between MoCA scores and various factors were analyzed using linear regression.
• Significant variables were adjusted for age, sex, and education in multiple linear regression.

Main Results:

• Over 50% of participants exhibited cognitive impairment (MoCA < 26) pre-HSCT.
• Higher hematopoietic cell transplantation-comorbidity index scores and a history of alcohol or substance abuse were significantly associated with poorer cognitive function.
• Pre-HSCT cancer and treatment-specific factors did not correlate with cognitive function.

Conclusions:

• Cognitive impairment is common in patients awaiting HSCT.
• Evaluating pre-transplantation medical comorbidities and substance abuse history can help identify at-risk individuals.
• Further research on the trajectory and impact of cognitive impairment is needed to enhance patient outcomes.